Garment closure

ABSTRACT

A closure for use on protective garments is defined by two oppositely-facing, longitudinally-extending edges of fabric having an opening therebetween as a slide fastener spanning the opening. A longitudinal channel is provided adjacent the fastener and formed by layers of the fabric for collecting and discharging materials out an opening and into an optional receptacle. The channel is formed by folding an outer front panel of the garment back onto itself. The zipper is then stitched to the interior end portion and a patch along a first stitch line. The patch is folded back on itself and the opposite end of the patch is stitched to the outer front panel of the garment along a second stitch line. Seal tape is placed over the second stitch line, thereby forming a sealed channel between the outer layer of the garment and the patch layer between the first stitch line and the second stitch line. Any gases, vapors and liquids that might otherwise penetrate the stitch lines are passed into the channel, and drained away from the user. A flap may also be added over the front of the closure to cover a portion of the fastener and the channel and provide an additional layer of protection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to fasteners. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to closures for garments.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Many industrial occupations require the use of personalprotective equipment. Personal protective equipment is a general termthat refers to various garments, breathing apparatus and monitoringdevices that are used by persons potentially exposed to hazardousconditions or environments. In the case of protective garments, manyemployers require employees to wear special apparel, such as coveralls,jackets, trousers, shirts, boots, helmets and gloves, among otherthings. Protective garments are designed to protect the individualwearing the garments by eliminating or reducing daily exposure pathways,such as inhalation of harmful vapors and particulates and percutaneousadsorption of harmful liquids.

[0005] In certain regulated industries in the United States, the use ofcertain personal protective equipment is mandated by the OccupationalSafety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA-mandated personalprotective equipment are intended for use against hazards of processesor environment; chemical, biological and radiological hazards; ormechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injuryor impairment in the function of any part of the body throughabsorption, inhalation or physical contact. Moreover, the selection,use, training and programs for personal protective equipment for use byemergency responders may be covered by regulations, standards andrecommendations promulgated or issued by the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT),and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

[0006] Even in non-industrial, non-regulated work places, wheretraditional industrial work hazards do not pose a potential threat,employers may also mandate the use of certain protective garments insome situations. For example, after anthrax was deployed through theU.S. postal system in the mail, some employers that were not regulatedby OSHA, EPA or other federal or state agency began implementingpersonal protective equipment standards applicable to corporate mailhandlers. Moreover, some employers have implemented personal protectiveequipment standards for insurability purposes even where their industryis not regulated by OSHA or other agency. Implementing those standardsmay be needed to obtain certain types of insurance coverage or can lowerpremiums on already existing policies.

[0007] Protective garments include apparel like coveralls, jackets,trousers, shirts, boots, helmets and gloves. Similar to regular streetgarments, protective garments typically have closures with fastenerssuch as buttons, snaps, zippers and hooks and loops (commonly calledVelcro®). The closures are provided to facilitate the donning, doffingand safely wearing the garments. However, closures on protectivegarments may provide pathways for gases, liquids, vapors and, sometimes,particulates to permeate or penetrate the garment and expose theindividual wearing the protective garment to harmful substances. Thatexposure pathway can result in a reduced effectiveness of the protectivegarment, and the garment may fall out of compliance with personalprotective equipment standards.

[0008] Thus, while closures are often required for functionality, theyoften introduce undesirable adverse affects when it comes to health andsafety. Penetration, such as through permeation or wicking, is apotential adverse affects introduced by providing a closure on aprotective garment. For example, when a closure device is sewn to aprotective garment, harmful substances can permeate the otherwiseimpermeable garment. Where sewn seams are made using stitches, the seamcan operate like a wick or carrier which allows the harmful substance topenetrate through to the user. In addition, those stitches penetrate thegarment fabric and create through holes which may also allow gases,liquids and vapors to penetrate from one side of the garment to theother.

[0009] For instance, a bound seam is used to encapsulate the raw edgesof two plies of fabric. All of the layers are sewn through with a chainstitch that creates a series of closely spaced through holes in thefabric layers. If that area contacts a hazardous liquid, the liquid canpenetrate the through hole and volatilize on the inside of the garment,exposing the individual wearing the garment. Likewise, if the individualis working in an environment where hazardous gases or vapors arepresent, the gases and vapors can also permeate or penetrate the throughholes.

[0010] To overcome the problems associated with closure devices withsewn seams and still meet standards for protective garments, somemanufacturers have come up with a variety of solutions. On shirtjackets, for example, some manufacturers incorporate so-called “storm”flaps. The storm flap is constructed from the primary garment materialand lies over the top of the buttons, snaps or zippers and helps keepliquids off those fasteners and the sewn seams. Often the storm flap issecured in place with hook and loop fasteners. One problem with stormflaps is that they do not seal the closure devices so they do notprevent permeation of gases and vapors. Also, liquids may get around thestorm flap and contact the closure and seams. Thus, the stitches wherethe closure device is attached to the garment are still exposed and canprovide exposure pathways for hazardous materials.

[0011] Other manufacturers move the closure to the back of the garmentand away from the so-called “strike” or impact zone, which is typicallylocated to the individual's front side. That may reduce certainincidences of exposure due to immersion of the closure and seams byliquids being splashed onto the garment. However, repositioning theclosure to the rear of the garment does not necessarily reducepermeation or penetration of chemicals through the closure and seams,such as gases that may be present in the environment.

[0012] Still other manufacturers rely on taped seams and closures. Ataped closure is produced when a closure is covered with a strip ofcompatible material and attached permanently or temporarily over theclosure. One problem associated with taped closures is that the garmentcannot be donned or doffed easily or in a timely manner because of theextra step of applying or removing the tape to/from the closure.Further, it is often difficult to create a good seal with tape on someclosures by manually applying pressure to tape. This is a problem onfabrics that are not free of wrinkles. Moreover, the assistance ofanother person is often required to install tape on certain closures.For example, a long vertical zipper on the rear of a shirt jacket isnearly impossible to tape by the person wearing the shirt.

[0013] A taped seam is produced by covering a sewn seam with a strip ofcompatible material. The tape may have an adhesive backing, or mayfurther be attached to the garment and/or closure by a laminatingprocess or by heat sealing the tape to the seam with a suitableheat-activated adhesive. One problem associated with taped seams is thatthey cannot be used to cover all seams effectively. Moreover, if achemical substance penetrates a torn tape seal, it can then easilypenetrate the garment through the stitch through holes under the tapejust as if the tape were not there. Also, in the case of zippers, whichare usually attached to garments with “stringers,” once the stringermaterial becomes contaminated, the accumulated contamination canpenetrate the garment when the individual wearing the garment beginsdoffing the device. That is, if the individual is not decontaminatedbefore doffing the garment, he or she can be exposed to the accumulatedchemicals when he or she opens the fastener.

[0014] One example of a tape seam is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,616 toNorvell. Norvell illustrates a water resistant closure for a garment inthe form of a zipper attached to a fabric with sewn seams that arecovered with water-repellant seam seal tape. One problem with the tapeseam in Norvell is that if the tape is damaged or the water repellantcoating is damaged or deteriorates, water can migrate through the stitchthrough holes and into the inner surface of the garment.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,251 to Morman et al. disclose a garment formedical practitioners having a porous hydrophobic layer and a spacinglayer adjacent to the porous hydrophobic layer. The spacing layer formschannels, so that liquid in contact with the spacing layer flows intothe channels without passing through the porous hydrophobic layer.Morman, however, does not address the problems associated with closureson protective garments.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0016] In view of the foregoing, it should be apparent that there existsa need in the art for a garment closure having a combination of seamtape and channels for eliminating or reducing the permeation orpenetration of hazardous materials through the garment when it isexposed to hazardous environments.

[0017] It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention toprovide a closure device for protective garments that reduces oreliminates penetration of gases, vapors, liquids and particulatesthrough the closure.

[0018] More particularly, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a closure device for a protective garment that is attached tothe garment in a manner that prevents penetration of gases, vapors,liquids and particulates from the outside of the garment to the insidevia a through hole.

[0019] Still more particularly, it is an object of the present inventionto provide a zipper closure with a channel for transporting hazardousmaterials from the zipper closure to a receptacle.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a jacketwith a front closure zipper with taped seams and a channel behind theseams with a bottom opening for discharging any materials entering thechannel.

[0021] It is another object of the present invention to provide acoverall with a front closure zipper with taped seams and a channelbehind the seams connected to a drainable receptacle for receiving anddischarging any materials entering the channel, or connected to anopening for discharging any materials entering the channel.

[0022] Briefly described, these and other objects and features of thepresent invention are accomplished, as embodied and fully describedherein, by a closure between two longitudinal edges of a garmentdefining an opening therebetween, in which the closure includes severaladjacent layers of fabric materials attached together with stitchedseams. The garment may be part of a protective garment used to meetpersonal protective equipment standards.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment of the closure, there is a firstgarment layer having an inner and outer surface, wherein one edge of thefirst garment layer is folder back on itself forming a second garmentlayer; a fastener, such as a zipper, having a tape portion forming athird layer, wherein a portion of the third layer is adjacent the secondgarment layer; a fourth garment layer in which an edge of the fourthgarment layer is folded back on itself forming a fifth garment layer andwherein the fifth garment layer is adjacent the third layer and theother edge of the fourth garment layer is adjacent the inner surface ofthe first garment layer. Those layers are attached by a stitched seamthrough the second, fourth and fifth adjacent layers and anotherstitched seam through the first and fourth adjacent layers. A seal tapelayer covers the second stitched seam and is attached to the firstgarment layer and the fourth garment layer by adhesive.

[0024] The resulting garment layers and stitched seams form alongitudinally extending channel that runs substantially parallel theedge of the first garment layer. The channel includes an opening on oneend (preferably the bottom) for discharging materials inside thechannel. A receptacle may be used adjacent the opening such thatmaterials discharged from the opening of the channel are discharged intothe receptacle. The receptacle could be a tube or a pocket.

[0025] The closure also may include a sixth garment layer in the form ofa loop, a portion of which is adjacent the outer surface of the firstgarment layer. The closure also may include a third stitched seamthrough the first and sixth adjacent layers for securing the loop to thefirst layer. The third stitch penetrates the first layer between thefirst and second stitches. The resulting sixth garment layer andstitched seam form a second longitudinally extending channelsubstantially parallel the first channel. The channel may or may notinclude an opening on one end. A fastener, such as hooks and loops,buttons, snaps, and zippers, may be attached to the loop. A fourthstitched seam may be added through the first and sixth adjacent layersadjacent the third stitched seam for further securing the loop to thefirst layer. The fourth stitch penetrates the first layer between saidfirst and second stitches.

[0026] With these and other objects, advantages and features of theinvention that may become hereinafter apparent, the nature of theinvention may be more clearly understood by reference to the followingdetailed description of the invention, the appended claims and to theseveral drawings attached herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garment according to the presentinvention;

[0028]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another garment according to thepresent invention; and

[0029]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the front closure of thegarments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 taken at line 3-3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0030] Several preferred embodiments of the invention are illustratedand described hereinafter for illustrative purposes, it being understoodthat the invention may be embodied in other forms not specifically shownor described.

[0031] Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like parts aredesignated by like reference numerals throughout, there is illustratedin FIG. 1 a perspective view of a garment 100 according to the presentinvention. The garment 100 is preferably made of three-laminated layersof texturized polyester fabric, such as that sold by the W. L. Gore &Associates company under its three-layer GORE-TEX® brand line. However,other fabrics may also be used, though the fabric should preferably belightweight, waterproof, permeable to water vapor to ensure adequatebreathability, rugged, durable, and cleanable. In other embodiments, thefabric can be non-permeable to vapors and compatible with conventionaldecontamination compounds. Other types of garment fabrics that may besuitable include NOMEX® and TYVEK®, both available from E.I. du Pont deNemours and Company.

[0032] The garment 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a protective garment foruse by persons requiring protection from certain hazards, such aschemical or bio-logical hazardous materials. For example, thethree-laminated layers of polyester fabric provides protection frompenetration of certain substances from the outside of the garment 100 tothe inside. The garment 100 thereby protects the user from coming intocontact with undesirable substances.

[0033] The garment 100 has a right sleeve 102, a left sleeve 104, afront panel 106, a rear panel 108, a bottom opening 110, and a neckopening 112. The front panel 106 includes separable left and rightportions each with respective right and left edges 117, 119. Inaccordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the right andleft edges 117, 119 are substantially longitudinally-extending,vertically-oriented, and parallel to one another.

[0034] A front closure 118 extends from the neck opening 112 at the topof the garment 100 to the bottom opening 110 at the bottom of thegarment 100. The front closure 118 includes a fastener 120, which may beany fastener, including but not limited to, a series of spaced buttonsor snaps, hooks and loops strips and a slide fastener. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 1, the front fastener 120 is a zipper. The zipper has twostringers that are each attached by stitched seams to respective edges117, 119 of the front panel 106 (as best seen in FIG. 3).

[0035] A channel 121 is formed along each of the edges 117, 119 of thegarment 100, where the closure 118 attaches to the edges 117, 119 of thegarment 100. The channels extend substantially vertically along thegarment 100. It should be recognized, however, that the channel can alsobe positioned diagonally or horizontally with respect to the garment100, or in any other suitable manner as a closure 118 might bepositionable. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of theinvention, the channel extends the entire length of the edges 117, 119,and along the entire length of the closure 118. Of course, the closure118 need not extend the entire length of the garment 100.

[0036] At the base of the front closure 118 and channel 121 is anopening 122 where materials entering the channel 121 behind the closure(FIG. 3) can be discharged. Additionally, a barrier or receptacle couldbe included to receive or temporarily store materials discharged fromthe opening 122. One example of a receptacle is shown, for instance, inthe embodiment of FIG. 2.

[0037] The neck opening 112 has a neck closure 114, which is shown inthe closed position in FIG. 1. The neck closure 114 may include afastener (not shown), which may be any fastener, including, but notlimited to, a button, a snap, hooks and loops and a slide fastener (suchas a zipper). In FIG. 2 there is illustrated a perspective view of agarment 200 which is an overall, in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention. The garment 200 may have the sameuses and be made out of the same fabric materials as the garment 100shown in FIG. 1.

[0038] Accordingly, the garment 200 has a right sleeve 202, a leftsleeve 204, a front panel 206, a rear panel 208 (not visible), a neckopening 212, a right pant leg 226, a left pant leg 228, and openings 230and 232 associated with the pant legs 226 and 228, respectively. Thefront panel 206 includes separable left and right portions each withlongitudinally-extending, vertically-oriented, substantially paralleledges 217, 219, respectively.

[0039] A front closure 218 extends from the neck opening 212 at the topof the garment 200 to a position approximately at the top of the pantlegs 226, 228 at the crotch of the garment 200. The front closure 218includes a fastener 220, which may be any fastener, including but notlimited to, a series of spaced buttons or snaps, hooks and loops stripsand a slide fastener. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the frontfastener 220 is a zipper. The zipper has two stringers that are attachedby stitched seams along the edges 217, 219 of the front panel 206 (asbest seen in FIG. 3).

[0040] At the base of the front closure 218 is an opening 222 wherematerials entering a channel 221 behind the closure (FIG. 3) can bedischarged. Additionally, a receptacle 224 could be included to receiveor temporarily store materials discharged from the opening 222. Thetypes of receptacles 224 include, but are not limited to, hollowcylindrical tubes and cup pockets. The receptacle 224 could be locatedanywhere on the garment 200, but preferably is positioned at the exitopening 222 and is integral to the garment fabric or a separate devicesecured to the garment 200.

[0041] The neck opening 212 has a neck closure 214, which is shown inthe open position in FIG. 2. The neck closure 214 is the same as theneck closure 114 shown in FIG. 1. The neck closure 214 includes afastener 216 (not shown), which may be any fastener, including but notlimited to, a button, a snap, hooks and loops and a zipper.

[0042] In FIG. 2 the pant legs 226 and 228 should be long enough toextend substantially below the top of the footwear worn by theindividual wearing the garment 200. In the case where the garment 200 isan overall, additional closures extending approximately vertically fromthe openings 230, 232 on the pant legs 226, 228 may be required tofacilitate donning and doffing over the footwear.

[0043] In FIG. 3 there is illustrated a cross sectional view of theclosures 118, 218 and channels at one edge 117, 119 of the garments 100,200 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, taken at line 3-3. Theclosures 118, 218 are designed to prevent penetration of undesirablesubstances through the seam seals so as to protect the individualwearing the garments 100, 200, from exposure to those substances. Thechannel is generally represented by reference numeral 121, 221, and isgenerally formed by a front panel 302 of the garment 100, 200, and apatch segment 304. The ends of the front panel 302 form the edges 117,119 of the garment, to which the fastener 120, 220 is attached.

[0044] The term “penetration” means the physical process by which asubstance passes through a material, such as via tears, openings,through holes, or other routes. As used herein, the term penetrateincludes any manner in which a substance can pass through a material ormembrane, such as by permeation, infiltration, saturation, adsorption,absorption, wicking, diffusion, or osmosis.

[0045] The front closure 118 (or front closure 218) includes front panel302, the end of which is folded back on itself to form an end section303. As noted previously, the material used to make the garments 100,200 may be a single layer, or a composite having multiple layers.

[0046] The front closure 118 also includes a patch segment 304, which atone end has a portion folded back on itself to form an end section 305.The fastener 120 (or fastener 220) is also shown in FIG. 3 as a zipper.The fastener 120 is a standard device, and any suitable fastener couldbe used. The standard slide fastener 120 has a slider and a row ofinterlockable elements 308 attached to, or integral with, a connectingpiece 310. The connecting piece 310 enables the fastener 120 to beconnected to the garment 100. In the present embodiment, the connectingpiece 310 can be a tape or other material. However, the invention can beused with any suitable closure 118, including buttons and other devicewhich do not include connecting pieces 310. Thus, the use of aconnecting piece 310 is merely illustrative of the invention.

[0047] The connecting piece 310 is a flexible material which may becompatible with the fabric material making up the garment 100, 200fabric layers. The connecting piece 310 is sandwiched between the tworeverse-folded end sections 303 and 305 associated with the front panel302 and the patch segment 304, respectively. The end sections 303, 305and the connecting piece 310 are attached together at a first connection312. As shown in FIG. 3, the first connection 312 can be any suitableconnection, such as stitches forming a sewn seam. The first connection312 secures the connecting piece 310, and thereby the fastener 120, tothe garment front panel 302. The first connection 312 also secures thepatch segment 304 to the garment front panel 302.

[0048] The reverse bend of the end sections 303, 305 place theconnection 312 within the channel 121, 221. In this manner, the firstconnection 312 does not allow any undesired substances to penetrate tothe inside of the garment, and any undesired substance that reached theconnection 312 would instead enter the channel 121, 221. Thus, the endsections 303, 305 and channel 121, 221 prevent penetration of undesiredsubstances which might otherwise occur through the stitched throughholes created by the connection of the connecting piece 310 to the frontpanel 302 of the garment 100, 200. Though the first connection 312 isshown as a single connection, it should be recognized that more than oneconnection can be made, such as one connection between the front panel302 and the connecting piece 310, and another connection between thepatch 304 and the connecting piece 310 and/or the front panel 302.

[0049] A second connection 314 is then used to attach the opposite endof the patch layer 304 to the inner surface of the front panel 302, suchas by using stitches to form a sewn seam. The second connection 314 isthen covered with a layer of seal tape 316 to prevent penetration ofundesired substances which might otherwise occur through the stitchedthrough holes created by the second connection 314. The seal tape 316 isadhered to the inner surface of the front panel layer 302 and the patchlayer 304 by a layer of adhesive 317.

[0050] The front panel 302, the patch 304 and the first and secondconnect points 312, 314 form a hollow channel 121, 221 between the sewnseam stitches 312, 314. The channel 121, 221 provides a conduit throughwhich materials in the channel 121, 221 are collected and can also bedischarged by gravity, with or without the aid of other physicalmechanisms, out of the bottom of the channel 121, 221. The materialsthus discharged out of the bottom of the channel 121, 221 are therebytransported away from the individual wearing the garment 100, 200. Thepreferred width of the patch 304, from the end which is taped 316 to theseam 312, is about 1.7 inches.

[0051] Thus, the channel 121, 221 collects and discharges undesiredsubstances that may penetrate the individual layers of fabric or sewnseams. For instance, the channel 121, 221 could collect and thentransport away liquids, vapors and/or gases from the individual wearingthe garment 100, 200. For example, some of the liquids collected in thechannel 121, 221 may volatilize, depending on the quantity and type ofsubstance present, temperature, vapor pressure inside the channel andatmospheric pressure. If the fabric used to make the front panel 302 andpatch 304 are permeable, then the volatilized liquid may pass throughthose layers.

[0052] If the fabric is impermeable, then volatilized liquids inside thechannel 121, 221 will remain inside the channel 121, 221 until it isremoved by one of several mechanisms. First, the volatilized liquidcould condense on the inner surfaces of the front panel 302 and patch304 and then drain out. Or, portions of the channel could be compressedmanually or by normal use of the garment 100, 200, thereby expelling aportion of the volume of vapor-laden gas within the channel 121, 221 outof the opening 122 (or opening 222, in the case of garment 200). Stillyet, the opening 122, 222 can be sealed or have a valve which allows thechannel 121, 221 to be drained from time to time as desired.

[0053] Alternatively, a flap 320 can be positioned in front of thechannel 121, 221 and the slide fastener 120, as further shown in FIG. 3.The flap 320 can be made of the same or different fabric of the rest ofthe garment 100, 200. In the embodiment shown, the flap 320 is in theform of a loop that is sewn to the outside surface of the front panellayer 302 with stitches 322 and 324. The hook 325 is made by stitchingthe flap 320 to the front panel 302 with stitch 324, folding the loopback on itself and then stitching the stitch 322. Thus, stitches 322,324 form two spaced apart sewn seams that are generally parallel to eachother.

[0054] The stitches 322, 324 form through holes that terminate insidethe channel 121, 221, so that any undesired substances penetrating theconnection 324 pass into the channel 121, 221. Thus, any number ofauxiliary devices, such as badges or communicators, can be connected tothe front panel 302, and the garment 100, 200 would still prevent thepenetration of undesired substances. In that regard, though theinvention is preferably provided for a fastener 120, the channel 121,221 can be formed at other locations on a garment that might requirestitching or connection to the garment which might otherwise reduce theeffectiveness of the garment, such as behind the seams of a pocket, or adesignated area to provide a badge or the like. It should also beappreciated that the front panel 302 need not be reversely bent, sinceany undesired substance penetrating the first connection 312 will passinto the channel 121, 221. In addition, a seal tape can be placed overthe patch 304 at the first connection 312, and the patch 304 need not bereversely bent. Moreover, the seal tape 316 need not be provided, andinstead the end of the patch 304 can be reversely bent.

[0055] The flap 320 loop forms a second channel 326. On the outer faceof the flap 320 is a fastener 328. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,the preferred fastener 326 is a hooks and loops-type fastener (only thehooks are shown, the corresponding loops are attached to the oppositeside of the garment front panel 106). However, other fasteners are alsocontemplated.

[0056] The front closure 118 (and front closure 218) works as follows.In an environment where a person wearing the garment 100 is exposed toan undesired substance, such as due to splashing, immersion, orcondensation of a liquid, at the front of the garment 100, the substancewould contact the front panel layer 302 and/or the flap 320 covering thefront closure 118. If the flap 320 is made of a material that ispermeable to that liquid, some of the liquid could permeate the materialand enter the channel 326.

[0057] Some of the vapors might condense be discharged from the channel326 or otherwise be collected or transported out. Some of the vaporscould also permeate through the back side of the flap 320 to the frontpanel 302. Some of the vapors could then condense on the surface of thefront panel 302 and permeate into the channel 121, 221, where some ofthe vapors could condense and be discharged out the bottom of thechannel 121, 221 through the opening 122 (opening 222 in the case ofgarment 200) and into a receptacle 224. If the garment 100 includes areceptacle 224 in the form of a barrier or cup pocket, the materialsdischarged to that receptacle 224 may be emptied and handled byconventional means following any applicable environmental, health andsafety standards for such handling and disposal.

[0058] If the materials making up the flap 320, the front panel layer302 and the patch layer 304 are impermeable to liquids, then a liquidchemical striking the front closures 120, 220 would not permeate intochannels 121, 221, 326. Instead, the liquid would simply move down thefront surface of the material and drip onto the ground.

[0059] In addition to the above, an undesired substance that issplashed, immersed, or condensed onto the front of the garment 100 couldwick through the seams and stitches 312, 314, 322 and 324. In the caseof stitch 312, for example, a liquid could migrate between the fabriclayers along the seam formed by the stitch 312, then wick through thestitch 312 and volatilize into the channel 121, 221 at the ends of thethrough hole formed by the stitch 312. In the case of stitch 314, theliquid would be blocked by the adhesive 317 and seam seal tape 316layers. In the case of stitches 322 and 324, the liquid could wickthrough the through holes formed by the stitches, volatilize insidechannel 121, 221 and eventually be discharged out the opening 122.

[0060] Although only preferred embodiments are specifically illustratedand described herein, it will be appreciated that many modifications andvariations of the present invention are possible in light of the aboveteachings and within the purview of the appended claims withoutdeparting from the spirit and intended scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A closure between two longitudinal edges of a garmentdefining an opening therebetween, said closure comprising: a firstgarment layer having an inner and outer surface, wherein an edge of saidfirst garment layer is folder back on itself forming a second garmentlayer; a first fastener having a connecting piece forming a third layer;a fourth garment layer, wherein an edge of said fourth garment layer isfolded back on itself forming a fifth garment layer; a first stitchedseam through said second, third and fifth layers for securing saidsecond, third and fifth layers together; and a second stitched seamthrough said first and fourth layers for securing said first and fourthlayers together, wherein said first through fifth layers and said firstand second stitched seams form a first channel.
 2. The closure accordingto claim 1, further comprising a seal tape covering the second stitchedseam.
 3. The closure according to claim 2, wherein said seal tape isattached to said first garment layer and said fourth garment layer byadhesive.
 4. The closure according to claim 1, further comprising: asixth garment layer in the form of a loop, wherein a portion of saidsixth garment layer is adjacent the outer surface of said first garmentlayer; and a third stitched seam through said first and sixth adjacentlayers for securing said sixth garment layer loop and said first layertogether, wherein said third stitch penetrates said first layer betweensaid first and second stitches, wherein said sixth garment loop and saidthird stitched seam form a second longitudinally extending channelsubstantially parallel the first longitudinally extending channel. 5.The closure according to claim 4, further comprising: a fourth stitchedseam through said first and sixth adjacent layers adjacent said thirdstitched seam for further securing said sixth garment layer loop andsaid first layer together, wherein said fourth stitch penetrates saidfirst layer between said first and second stitches.
 6. The closure ofaccording to claim 4, further comprising a second fastener attached tosaid sixth garment layer loop.
 7. The closure according to claim 6,wherein said fastener comprises one of hooks and loops, a button, asnap, and a zipper.
 8. The closure according to claim 4, wherein saidgarment layers are made of polyester.
 9. The closure according to claim4, wherein said garment layers and said tape layer are impermeable tovapor.
 10. The closure according to claim 1, wherein said first fasteneris a zipper comprising a pair of oppositely facing, longitudinallyextending stringer tapes each having a first and a second side, aplurality of equally spaced cones projecting from the edge of one of thestringer tapes, a corresponding plurality of equally spaced cupsprojecting from the edge of the other stringer tape, and a slide movablyengaging said cones and cups to open and close said zipper.
 11. Theclosure according to claim 1, further comprising: a receptacle adjacentthe opening of said first channel, wherein materials inside said firstchannel are discharged into said receptacle.
 12. The closure accordingto claim 11, wherein said receptacle is one of a tube and a pocket. 13.The closure according to claim 1, wherein said garment layers form partof a chemical protective suit.
 14. A closure between two longitudinaledges of a garment defining an opening therebetween, said closurecomprising: a first garment layer having an inner and outer surface,wherein an edge of said first garment layer is folder back on itselfforming a second garment layer; a first fastener having a connectingpiece forming a third layer; a fourth garment layer, wherein an edge ofsaid fourth garment layer is folded back on itself forming a fifthgarment layer; a sixth garment layer in the form of a loop, wherein aportion of said sixth garment layer is adjacent the outer surface ofsaid first garment layer; a first stitched seam through said second,third and fifth layers for securing said second, third and fifth layerstogether; a second stitched seam through said first and fourth layersfor securing said first and fourth layers together; and a third stitchedseam through said first and sixth adjacent layers for securing saidsixth garment layer loop and said first layer together, wherein saidthird stitch penetrates said first layer between said first and secondstitches, wherein said first through fifth layers and said first andsecond stitched seams form a first channel and wherein said sixthgarment loop and said third stitched seam form a second channel.
 15. Theclosure according to claim 14, further comprising a seal tape coveringthe second stitched seam and wherein said seal tape is attached to saidfirst garment layer and said fourth garment layer by adhesive.
 16. Theclosure according to claim 14, further comprising: a fourth stitchedseam through said first and sixth adjacent layers adjacent said thirdstitched seam further securing said sixth garment layer loop and saidfirst layer together, wherein said fourth stitch penetrates said firstlayer between said first and second stitches.
 17. The closure accordingto claim 14, further comprising a second fastener attached to said sixthgarment layer loop, wherein said fastener comprises one of hooks andloops, buttons, snaps, and zippers.
 18. The closure according to claim14, wherein said garment layers are made of polyester.
 19. The closureaccording to claim 14, wherein said garment layers and said tape layerare impermeable to vapor.
 20. The closure according to claim 14, whereinsaid fastener is a zipper comprising a pair of oppositely facing,longitudinally extending stringer tapes each having a first and a secondside, a plurality of equally spaced cones projecting from the edge ofone of the stringer tapes, a corresponding plurality of equally spacedcups projecting from the edge of the other stringer tape, and a slidemovably engaging said cones and cups to open and close said zipper. 21.The closure according to claim 14, further comprising: a receptacleadjacent the opening of said first channel, wherein materials insidesaid first channel are discharged into said receptacle.
 22. The closureaccording to claim 21, wherein said receptacle is one of a tube and apocket.
 23. The closure according to claim 14, wherein said garmentlayers form part of a chemical protective suit.
 24. A closure betweentwo longitudinal edges of a garment defining an opening therebetween,said closure comprising: closure means for opening and closing a garmentclosure; channel means attached to said closure means for collecting anddischarging materials inside said channel means; first seam means forconnecting said closure means and said channel means together; covermeans attached to said channel means for covering a portion of saidclosure means and said channel means; second seam means for connectingsaid cover means to said channel means; and receptacle means adjacentsaid channel means for receiving materials discharging from said channelmeans.
 25. The closure according to claim 24, further comprising sealtape means adhered to said channel means for seam sealing.
 26. Theclosure according to claim 24, further comprising fastener meansattached to said cover means, for securing said cover means over saidclosure means.
 27. The closure according to claim 24, wherein saidclosure means and said cover means are made of polyester fabric.
 28. Theclosure according to claim 24, wherein said closure means is a zippercomprising a pair of oppositely facing, longitudinally extendingstringer tapes each having a first and a second side, a plurality ofequally spaced cones projecting from the edge of one of the stringertapes, a corresponding plurality of equally spaced cups projecting fromthe edge of the other stringer tape, and a slide movably engaging saidcones and cups to open and close said zipper.
 29. The closure accordingto claim 24, wherein said receptacle means is one of a tube and apocket.
 30. The closure according to claim 24, wherein said closuremeans, channel means, cover means and receptacle means form part of achemical protective suit.
 31. A garment comprising: a front panelsection having an end section and a connect point set apart from theend; a patch segment having a first end connected to the end section ofsaid front panel section, and a second end connected to the connectpoint of said front panel section, wherein said front panel section andsaid patch form a channel therebetween; and, a seal tape sealing theconnection between the second end of said patch segment and the connectpoint of said front panel section.
 32. The garment of claim 31, furthercomprising a first seam connecting the end section of said front panelsection to the first end of said patch segment, and a second seamconnecting the connect point of said front panel section to the secondend of said patch segment.
 33. The garment of claim 31, wherein the endsection is reversely bent with respect to said front panel section. 34.The garment of claim 31, wherein the first end of said patch isreversely bent with respect to said patch.